Intermediate
Technical
IVT
Rovsing sign
Pronunciation: ROHV-sing
Physical examination finding where palpation of the left lower quadrant produces pain in the right lower quadrant, suggesting appendicitis.
Full Definition
A clinical sign used in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis where deep palpation of the left iliac fossa produces referred pain in the right iliac fossa. This phenomenon occurs due to the shift of gas and fluid within the colon, which increases pressure around the inflamed appendix. Named after Niels Thorkild Rovsing, a Danish surgeon, this sign is considered positive when it reproduces the patient's right-sided pain and supports the diagnosis of acute appendicitis.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize as it is an eponym; apostrophe in Rovsing's is optional but maintain consistency.
In Context
- "The positive Rovsing sign, along with elevated white cell count, supported the diagnosis of acute appendicitis." — Emergency department assessment
- "Rovsing sign was negative, making acute appendicitis less likely in this patient." — Clinical examination note
Also known as
Rovsing's sign
Don't confuse with
Murphy sign
obturator sign
psoas sign